Interesting article in Politico regarding the Ohio vote today and the history of "direct democracy:"
www.politico.com
The article goes into the longer term battles regarding direct referendums. But in the short term, the battle is about abortion. Ohio passed a very restrictive abortion law. Opponents have managed to get a ballot initiative up for vote in November to amend the Ohio constitution, preserving abortion access. Under current rules, it needs 50% + to pass. Polls show it will very likely pass.
Opponents of the referendum have another up for vote today that would change the threshold to 60%. Obviously making it much harder to pass. I'm guessing turnout will be light for what amounts to an August special election.
Ohio’s Abortion Ban Is Rekindling a Century-Old Battle Over Direct Democracy
States first adopted ballot referendums to give people power over gerrymandered legislatures. Ohio Republicans want some of that power back.
www.politico.com
The article goes into the longer term battles regarding direct referendums. But in the short term, the battle is about abortion. Ohio passed a very restrictive abortion law. Opponents have managed to get a ballot initiative up for vote in November to amend the Ohio constitution, preserving abortion access. Under current rules, it needs 50% + to pass. Polls show it will very likely pass.
Opponents of the referendum have another up for vote today that would change the threshold to 60%. Obviously making it much harder to pass. I'm guessing turnout will be light for what amounts to an August special election.
